
1 big thing
Axios podcast host Niala Boodhoo digs deep with leaders you know — or need to know — in business, politics and culture. Every week, all in under 20 minutes.About Axios: Axios is a digital media company launched in 2017. Axios helps you become smarter, faster with news and information across politics, tech, business, media, science and the world. Subscribe to our newsletters at axios.com/newsletters and download our mobile app at axios.com/app. About Niala Boodhoo: Niala Boodhoo is the host of 1 big thing and previously hosted Axios Today She was the founding Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning news program The 21st. An alum of Reuters, The Miami Herald and WBEZ/Chicago, Niala was a 2019-2020 Knight-Wallace fellow.
Latest episodes

May 4, 2023 • 12min
Conflicting narratives in the Russia-Ukraine war
The Russian government said two drones attacked the Kremlin early Wednesday, in what it claims was an assassination attempt on President Vladimir Putin. Ukraine has denied responsibility and says it was a Russian false flag.
Plus, which American downtowns are thriving, and which are struggling.
And, fentanyl overdose deaths in the U.S. nearly quadruple over five years.
Guests: Axios' Dave Lawler and Alex Fitzpatrick.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Ukraine denies Russian accusation that it tried to attack the Kremlin
Which American downtowns are thriving — and which are struggling
Fentanyl overdose death rate nearly quadrupled from 2016 to 2021

May 3, 2023 • 12min
Why Asian Americans say they don't feel they belong
Half of Asian Americans say they don’t feel safe in this country and nearly 80% of Asian Americans do not fully feel they belong and are accepted. Those are the disappointing takeaways from the latest report from The Asian American Foundation.
Plus, what to expect from the Hollywood writers strike.
And, the Biden administration prepares for an influx at the southern border.
Guests: Norman Chen, CEO of The Asian American Foundation, and Axios’ Tim BaysingerCredits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Attitudes towards Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
Hollywood writers go on strike
Biden admin deploying 1,500 troops to U.S.-Mexico border

May 2, 2023 • 12min
A shaky U.S. banking system
First Republic on Monday became the second largest bank to fail in U.S. history. Since March, we've seen three of the four biggest U.S. bank failures ever. So what’s wrong with our banking system?
Plus, a warning on the debt ceiling.
And, why allergy seasons are getting worse, and how to cope.
Guests: Axios' Felix Salmon and Arielle Dreher.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Robin Linn, Fonda Mwangi and Ben O'Brien. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
The lingering banking problem
JPMorgan Chase CEO: We're getting a "very clean bank"
U.S. may hit debt ceiling as early as June 1, Janet Yellen warns

May 1, 2023 • 12min
Dominion Voting Systems shares its story
Fox News agreed last month to pay $787.5 million to voting machine company Dominion, in a lawsuit settlement related to false statements Fox made on its air about the company.Axios’ Dan Primack did an exclusive interview with three of Dominion's key players: the company’s CEO, private equity owner, and outside attorney on the Fox case. He shares the big takeaways.Plus, why Portland, Oregon residents are frustrated with the city's online crime reporting system -- and how police can change that.Guests: Axios' Dan Primack and Emily Harris.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Dominion Voting Systems tells its Fox News lawsuit story

Apr 28, 2023 • 12min
A scorecard for the U.S. economy
The Commerce Department released on Thursday that the U.S. economy grew at a 1.1% annual rate in the first quarter. And there’s another big Fed meeting coming up next week. Axios’ Courtenay Brown gives us a look at where our economy is right now.
Plus, why gamers keep leaking sensitive military info online.
And, the surprising run for the Miami Heat.
Guests: Axios' Courtenay Brown and Stephen Totilo.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
The GDP report's silver linings
Gamers keep leaking sensitive military info
How Jimmy Butler, No. 8 Heat made history with upset of No. 1 Bucks

Apr 27, 2023 • 12min
What's next for the debt ceiling deadlock
The House voted on Wednesday to raise the debt ceiling while cutting government spending. The Republican bill passed narrowly with four GOP members voting against it.
Plus, Disney sues Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
And, writer E. Jean Carroll takes the stand to accuse former president Trump of rape.
Guests: Axios' Mike Allen and Yacob Reyes.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
House passes McCarthy's debt ceiling proposal
Disney sues DeSantis over alleged "targeted campaign"
E. Jean Carroll Accuses Trump of Rape in Testimony
More ethics questions rise for Supreme Court justices

Apr 26, 2023 • 12min
The way forward for candidate Biden
President Biden announced his 2024 campaign for reelection with a video on Tuesday. Axios' Alex Thompson breaks down what we can expect from Biden’s campaign.
Plus, the melting of California’s historic snowpack intensifies.
Also, the religion gap between Congress and the American people.
And, the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte.
Guests: Axios' Alex Thompson, Andrew Freedman and Russell ContrerasCredits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Biden's never-Trump campaign for '24
California's "Big Melt" set to accelerate amid heat wave
Our lawmakers are more religious than we are
Harry Belafonte, 96, Dies; Barrier-Breaking Singer, Actor and Activist

Apr 25, 2023 • 12min
Humanitarian emergency in Sudan
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday that the two opposing military forces in Sudan have agreed to a three-day cease fire. This comes after more than 400 people have been killed and thousands injured in the fighting, according to the WHO.
Plus, as more stores go cashless, reverse ATMs are taking bills and dispensing cards.
And, host Tucker Carlson is out at Fox News.
Guests: Axios' Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath and Jennifer A. Kingson.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Lydia McMullen-Laird, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Warring generals in Sudan agree to 72-hour cease-fire, Blinken says
Reverse ATMs take bills, dispense cards as stores go cashless
Cable news in chaos after 3 major departures
Bed Bath & Beyond files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, will liquidate

Apr 24, 2023 • 12min
EPA prepares climate rules for power plants
The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to soon release draft rules that would force dramatic carbon emissions cuts at U.S. power plants.
Plus, a reality check on Trump’s 2024 chances.
And, the abortion pill remains available for now.
Guests: Axios' Josh Kraushaar and Ben Geman.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Axios Generate Newsletter
Supreme Court maintains access to abortion pills during appeals process
Trump looms over DeSantis despite voters craving new 2024 candidates: Polls

Apr 21, 2023 • 12min
Justice Clarence Thomas under scrutiny
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has been in the headlines this month for possible ethics breaches, following a report from ProPublica that for decades he received gifts from a billionaire GOP donor. Pressure is now mounting for action.
Plus, a SpaceX rocket launch and explosion.
Also, some good news about the Florida panther.
And, AI gets into viral music-making.
Guests: Axios' David Lindsey and National Geographic's Carlton Ward Jr.Credits: Axios Today is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, Fonda Mwangi and Alex Sugiura. Music is composed by Evan Viola. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can text questions, comments and story ideas to Niala as a text or voice memo to 202-918-4893.Go Deeper:
Senate asks chief justice to testify in escalation of Thomas scrutiny
Filmmaker takes fight to save Florida panther to streaming platforms
AI copyright in spotlight after platforms pull "fake Drake" song